4 Ways to Lower Humidity in Your Home
When it’s hot and humid outside, it shouldn’t be inside. But often, summertime weather in South Florida, along with other factors, may cause the air in your home to be more humid. What does that mean for you? Well, for one thing, it may be uncomfortable because you sweat more, and the air feels muggy. But beyond that, humidity can lead to mold and mildew, which can result in damage to floors and walls in your home, or even more disconcerting, allergies or other health issues.
So how do you know if it’s too humid in your home? Again, you can probably feel the moisture in the air. In addition, you might see condensation on windows and mirrors, wet spots on walls or even visible signs of mold and mildew growth. If you become aware of high humidity in your home, here are 4 ways you can reduce the level.
- Check for leaks and make repairs.
Check the outside and inside of your home for leaks and openings where air can seep in. Repair damaged roof tiles and seal up openings. This includes weather-stripping and caulking around tubs, showers and windows. An often-overlooked issue is the dryer exhaust vent. Make sure it’s directed to the outside of the home and completely sealed.
- Improve air circulation.
A stagnant airflow decreases evaporation, which facilitates higher moisture. Use your exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchen when showering and cooking. Run ceiling fans only in rooms that are occupied. Moving air across your skin helps to evaporate latent moisture, therefore making you feel cooler. Having fresh air from the outside added to the return of your A/C system will create a positive pressure to your home to reduce infiltration of humid air.
- Reduce moisture levels.
Again, install and run exhaust fans, especially in the kitchen and bath, where vapor levels are higher. You might also consider a dehumidifier, depending on how extreme you think your humidity issues are. Did you know that plants create moisture in your home’s air? If your home has an excess of plants, it might feel like you’re in a greenhouse. So keep your indoor, green-thumb cravings in check.
- Service your HVAC system.
Not only does your air conditioner cool your home, it condenses moisture from the air. If the drain lines are clogged, leaks can occur…which not only affects the humidity but also costs you money for unscheduled maintenance.
If you are concerned about your home’s humidity, call us at TRAVERSAIR, and we’re happy to answer any questions, and you might not even need a service call. Call us at 561-746-7221.
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